Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hahn Recommends these 15 Practices

Vietnamese Buddhist monk and author, Thich Nhat Hanh listed these 15 practices that would promote humility and keep the mind alive to spiritual reality

  • Do not be bound to any doctrine, theory or ideology, he said. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not the absolute truth.
  • Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless. Truth is found in life and not in concepts.
  • Do not force others, including children, to adopt your views by authority, threat, money, propaganda or education.
  • Do not avoid contact with suffering. Awaken yourself and others to the suffering in the world.
  • Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Live simply and share resources with those in need.
  • Do not use the religious community for personal gain, or transform your community into a political party.
  • Do not live with a job that is harmful to humans or nature.
  • Do not kill. There is no excuse or reason for killing.
  • Possess nothing that should belong to others. But prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering.
  • Do not mistreat your body. Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world.
  • Do not maintain anger or hatred. Transform them while still seeds in consciousness.
  • Do not lose yourself in your surroundings. Be aware of what is happening in the present.
  • Do not utter words that can create discord. Reconcile all conflicts.
  • Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress.
  • Have the courage to speak the truth.

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